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    What we know about the alleged incident

    Online Niel Posted on

    The University of Iowa chapter of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity was suspended late last week following significant whistleblowing allegations.

    Here’s what we know:

    What prompted the suspension of the fraternity?

    The University of Iowa announced the suspension shortly before 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, about 18 hours after police were called to the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house at 703 N. Dubuque St. to investigate a fire alarm.

    Officers discovered 56 pledges in a basement room who had allegedly been blindfolded and had “food thrown over them”.

    The Office of Student Responsibility and University of Iowa police are investigating. The national chapter of Alpha Delta Phi also announced in a statement that it will conduct its own third-party investigation.

    More: University of Iowa suspends Alpha Delta Phi for allegedly blindfolding more than 50 pledges

    What policies does the University of Iowa have regarding hazing?

    Hazing is prohibited by Iowa law, student code and student organization guidelines.

    Hazing is defined as “any intentional or reckless behavior, action, or situation, occurring with or without consent, that endangers or creates a risk of injury, mental or physical discomfort, inhibits student engagement, harasses, embarrasses, and/or ridicules a person”.

    Hazing is also generally considered part of the initiation process or a condition of continued membership in a particular organization, such as a fraternity.

    Hazing is considered a “Level 3” offense by the UI Discipline of Registered Student Organizationsthe biggest violation a student organization can receive.

    More: Caitlin Clark at Knapp Center: A look back at the Hawkeye legend’s day at Iowa vs. Drake

    Did the police charge anyone with a crime?

    Police have charged one person in connection with the November 15 incident. Additional charges may apply.

    A 21-year-old Riverdale man, Joseph Gaya, was charged Friday with interference with official acts after he allegedly blocked officers from entering a bond room and broke into a conversation between an officer and two witnesses. He was later told by the fraternity members to leave the house.

    Gaya is not a student, the university said in a press release. Police also said he does not live at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house.

    The sale is a simple misdemeanor under Iowa law.

    What is Alpha Delta Phi?

    Alpha Delta Phi is a national fraternity with 32 chapters across the country and nearly 1,700 current brothers, according to its website. It has chapters at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Illinois, the University of Minnesota, and numerous other colleges.

    It was first founded in 1832 and has nearly 30,000 living alumni. Former presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt are among its most notable alumni.

    The fraternity’s stated mission is “to provide a comprehensive and positive personal growth experience for all undergraduate and graduate brothers: socially, ethically, leadership, scholastically, community service, and literary.”

    The University of Iowa chapter was founded in 2023, according to the fraternity’s national website. It did not appear in 2023-24 Dean of Students Action Summaryan annual examination of organizational violations and a summary of disciplinary action against fraternities and sororities.

    More: Iowa’s 3 universities saw an increase in enrollment this year. Who added the most students?

    Is Alpha Delta Phi still operating at the University of Iowa?

    Yes and no.

    The national chapter has suspended the fraternity’s charter, meaning it does not currently recognize the UI house under its umbrella. UI also placed the fraternity on “provisional suspension” and informed its president that it “must suspend all operations pending the results of the investigation due to the seriousness of the allegations,” it said in a statement.

    There is one small exception – Fraternity members may continue to live at the Alpha Delta Phi house.

    The property is privately owned.

    How many members are there in Alpha Delta Phi at the University of Iowa?

    Spring 2024 semester data shows 93 total members in Alpha Delta Phi fraternity at the University of Iowa.

    About 78% of the members, about 72 people, have engaged in UI Alcohol Education Program and the Ua mandatory annual training for fraternities and sororities hosted by Student Wellness.

    Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

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